Fruitful discussion to make Gujarat Global Intellectual Property Knowledge Hub
Chief Minister Narendra Modi met with a senior legal delegation from the United States today morning in Gandhinagar. The delegation comprised of high ranking US Federal judges of the US Court of Appeals (including a Chief Judge), eminent practising lawyers, as well as Associate Deans from the prestigious George Washington University School of Law.
Expressing great confidence in Gujarat’s judicial system, the delegation proposed the setting up of an Intellectual Property Knowledge Hub in Gujarat – to provide the necessary enabling legal infrastructure for efficiently adjudicating intellectual property and other commercial disputes. This would enable and empower enterprise to thrive, attracting players from across the world to India.
Retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India Ashok Ganguli, who was also involved in the discussions; endorsed Gujarat as the perfect destination for such an Intellectual Property hub given the strength and efficiency of its judicial system. Citing successful best practices like Evening Courts, Fast Track Courts and Lok Adalats; he appreciated the government’s role in supporting the state judiciary with the necessary funding and infrastructure.
Fully endorsing the need for protecting IPR, the Chief Minister explained how it was necessary for nurturing and encouraging a culture of research, which in turn was a requisite for the growth of any society. Giving examples, he mentioned the process of getting a patent for Gujarat’s innovative Canal-top Solar Power project, as well as a unique strain of protein rich wheat found only in one region of the State.
He assured the delegation full support from the Government of Gujarat in exploring all possible avenues; expressing confidence in the idea of their expertise complementing Gujarat’s existing strengths, to do good for society.
Enhancing legal education and training standards was also discussed, with the respected judges and other senior legal luminaries expressing their keenness to work with their Gujarat based counterparts in doing so. A pool of Indian origin attorneys based in the US extended their support in all ways possible, wishing to give back to their motherland.
